Day Care Taking Extra Safety Precautions

In-home day care providers in Sioux Falls are thinking about their safety measures following the Cost Cutters shooting last week.

Police say 38-year-old Tyrone Smith walked in his day care provider's home last Tuesday and took his two children at gunpoint. Smith then went to Cost Cutters, where his girlfriend worked, and shot and killed manager Amanda Connors before turning the gun on himself.

Many in-home day cares don't have the same safety features as larger day care centers since they're run right out of the provider's house.

That's why the Sioux Empire Child Care Network is planning a workshop in October for providers to talk about domestic violence and how they can keep themselves and the other children safe.

One day care provider in Sioux Falls has already taken extra steps. Tammy Remillard installed a special lock with a keypad on it, which she can activate and deactivate for parents.

"It's just always better to be safe, so you spend $100 on a lock, it's well worth it if you prevent a problem," Remillard said.

Tonight on KELOLAND News we'll take a closer look at why home day care providers say safety is especially important in a business that is so personal.